From Tech Enthusiast to Banker: My Journey through Competitive Exams

My story is not one of destiny, but rather a path of perseverance and transformation. It all began when I graduated with a Bachelor of Technology (BTech) in Mechanical Engineering in 2020. My initial plan was to pursue a successful career in the tech sector, but life has its way of recalibrating our paths.

Pursuing Multiple Dreams

Throughout 2020, I dedicated myself to writing the Indian General Aptitude Test (GATE) three times. Despite qualifying each time, the marks I received were not enough to secure a position in a prestigious Public Sector Undertaking (PSU). However, my journey was not in vain; I was offered admission to both Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) and National Institutes of Technology (NITs) for Master of Technology (MTECH) programs. Despite having a strong inclination towards further studies, I decided against it due to financial constraints and the challenging job market in the core sector.

That's when the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic hit. As the financial and industrial sectors ground to a halt, I found myself at home, uncertain about my future and how I could support my family. A spark of hope came from the realization that the banking sector provided numerous opportunities throughout the year for entry-level jobs.

Transitioning to Bank Preparation

Driven by this newfound opportunity, I shifted my focus from GATE to the Banking sector. In 2021, I attempted a series of bank exams and managed to crack a few preliminary stages. However, I faced disappointment when I failed to make it to the final shortlist for SBI PO and SIDBI A. Nonetheless, the grace of God guided me towards cracking the Preliminary Examination for the Indian Bankers Association (IBPS PO) in 2022, leading to an offer from Union Bank of India, which was my third choice on the list.

Although I was also offered positions in other assistant roles, I chose to pursue the PO (Probationary Officer) position. This decision marked a significant shift in my career path, from a tech enthusiast to a banker.

Reflections and Aspirations

My story is far from over. Currently, I am embarking on a new journey to prepare for the Senior Combined Group (SSC CGL) exams. With unwavering confidence, I am determined to achieve success by 2024, furthering my career in the banking sector.

Adversity has taught me the importance of focused preparation, perseverance, and the importance of having multiple options to pursue my career goals.

In my journey, there were numerous ups and downs, but with each experience, I learned something valuable. One quote that particularly inspired me during my preparation for the bank PO exams:

"Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts." – Winston Churchill

This quote is prominently displayed on my wall, serving as a daily reminder of the importance of resilience and determination.